Drain and sewer systems in urban areas were developed to deal with the immediate problem of getting rid of wastewater and surface water. Initially that was done by utilising ditches and natural watercourses for the disposal of sewage and household waste, and as time went by those channels were gradually culverted and formally converted to combined sewers

The impact of that was soon felt on larger rivers as they were over-run with sewage. In response, interceptor sewers were constructed which took the daily foul flows to sewage treatment facilities.

Of all industries in the UK, construction is the one that could have the greatest impact on sustainability. Its contribution extends far and wide, stretching from what is built to how it is built, where it is built and why it is built – all of which have a huge impact on sustainable development.

While some sectors and companies are taking a strong lead on the issue, others are sitting back and waiting. But this is not something that will simply go away, and ignoring the issue is not an option; policy and legislation is starting to force clients, designers and contractors to adopt a more sustainable approach – and increasing client and consumer interest is adding to the pressure for change.